A day where you are on your feet for long periods is something we have all experienced at one time or another. After a long day at work, shopping, or yard work your feet are tired, achy, swollen, and heavy.
This aching happens because when you are on your feet, they are under a significant amount of stress. But, there is no need to suffer foot pain without relief.
Below are some great home remedies that will soothe your sore feet and have you feeling great again.
1. Hot And Cold Treatment
Alternating hot and cold baths dilates (hot) and constricts (cold) blood vessels in your feet. This boosts circulation and reduces the swelling and aching in your feet.
To do this treatment, fill one basin up with cold water and one up with hot water. Not boiling, but hot enough to warm your feet without discomfort.
Sit in a comfortable spot and place your feet in the cold water for five minutes. Afterwards, switch to the hot water. Switch back and forth for a total of thirty minutes for the most effectiveness.
2. Elevation
Elevating your feet for fifteen to twenty minutes after you are on them for any length of time is a great remedy. This will increase the circulation in your legs and feet and help to reduce and pain and swelling.
While you are elevating your feet, enjoy your favorite drink and take the time to relax.
3. Epsom Salt Soak
Made from magnesium sulfate heptahydrate, Epsom salts are a source of magnesium. Magnesium which is known to help reduce swelling and ease pain in sore muscles.
There are two ways you can use Epsom salt to reduce the swelling in your feet. First, you can fill a basin with hot water, add Epsom salt and soak just your feet.
But if you are looking to relax your entire body, have a bath. Fill your bathtub with hot water, add Epsom salt, and soak your whole body for forty-five minutes to an hour.
4. Essential Oil Soak
An alternative to Epsom salts is to use essential oils that help to increase blood circulation and reduce swelling. Essential oils are used in the same two ways as Epsom salts – either in a foot soak or the bathtub.
Some of the best essential oils to use to increase blood flow are peppermint, clove, eucalyptus, and rosemary (my favorite) oil. You can also try the foot soak formula here.
5. Vinegar Soak
If you don’t have Epsom salts or essential oils in the house, a final alternative for a foot soak is vinegar. Vinegar helps to reduce inflammation and can be used in two ways.
First, you can fill a basin with hot water and add two tablespoons of vinegar. It is additionally beneficial if you add some salt to the water as well. Soak your feet for about twenty minutes.
The second method uses a compress. Put equal amounts of water and vinegar into two basins. Make one basin cold water and one basin hot water.
Soak a towel that is big enough to wrap around your feet in the hot mixture and squeeze out the excess liquid. Wrap the hot compress around your feet for five minutes. Repeat the same process using the cold mixture.
This process is thought to be the most effective. You are getting the benefits from the vinegar as well as from alternating hot and cold on your feet. This maximizes blood flow while reducing swelling and aches.
Sore feet are not something that you need to put up with if you are on your feet for any length of time. Taking preventative measures, can help cut the amount of time you spend with sore feet. These include investing in a good pair of shoes and stretching your feet throughout the day
But, if you do find your feet achy and swollen after a long day, use the home remedies for sore feet above. They will ease the pain fast and have you ready to get back on your feet.